Should dog owners be made to take a course and pass a test before owning a dog?

Answer 1

Most definietly or at least have the knowledge of what they're actually doing. People get puppies because they're cute. Well they should do research on dog ownership, pet insurance, possible costs for medical expenses that dog may be prone to and learning about the proper foods. Take a test and decide if that breed is right for you. Example if you dont like to walk or exercise or have time to do those things with your dog get yourself a good chia pet or a plant.

Answer 2

Any person that really wants a dog and wants the best for it will do their own research and spend many hours learning all they can, I have had dogs for over 40 years and still seeking knowledge on behaviour and nutrition and it's impact on the dogs body and health, so if you are really dedicated as being the best dog owner possible the learning process never ends.

It i much like having a driving test to get a licence to drive, it is something that is forced on you , you do what you have to to pass the test but it won't necessarily convert you into being a good responsible driver, it is something you have to want to be and if you are motivated enough you will even go further in progessing your skills by taking course in crash avoidance, winter and skid control classes etc
But go and stand at any street corner and you will see that many drivers do bother with using turn signal , running yellow and red lights, do not come to full stops at stop signs pass illegally, don;t watch for pedestrians, are talking on sell phones while drivng, are under the influence, speeding etc , etc etc even though they all had to pass a test to drive.

So passing a test to be a dog owner is not going to change anything other than raising taxes we pay and adding more costs to dog ownership

Answer 3

well this depends because there are people that could be amazing with information and facts on dogs and being a dog owner yet when left alone with a dog become completely useless, trust me i knew quite a few people like this.

I also think that taking tests may deter people from owning dogs nobody will want to do tests to prove they are good dog owners its just something that you prove to yourself

People that dont look after their dogs are not going to waste time doing a test but they would still find someway to get a dog, just like drugs, underage drinking, carrying dangerous weapons and driving without a licence in the dream world this would be amazing that only perfect dog owners have dogs but in the real world it is completely impracticle which is a complete shame.

Answer 4

I don't see why it shouldn't be possible! Pass a test get a certificate that says your capable of keeping a dog and then buy your puppy!
Having just had to pass a test or two myself to adopt a dog anyway!
We had to have a house visit, and our Vet was consulted (with our permission) and we were asked a lot of breed related questions, even though we've had German Shepherds in the past and been approved by both the RSPCA and a local Animal Welfare group. Only then were we allowed to search for the 'perfect for us' animal! That was the most difficult part as there are so many, I just want to save them all!

Answer 5

I think we can't rule everything that people do. It's easy to say the authorities should make us pass tests for everything, but we as people want freedom. How are we free if we have to qualify to even have a dog?
I think the rule should be that if you have a dog, and are seen to be less than adequate, you should be able to go for training for yourself and the dog. That way, ordinary folk who are just kind people who want a family pet are not put through the same hassles as the idiots who abuse the animals.
The trouble with regulating things is that it applies to everyone, not just stupid people. So if your mom's dog had a puppy and you wanted it, would you have to go, apply for a license, pass the test, get the dog etc etc. Would your mom have to pass another test to keep her dog's own puppy? see how it grows?
It's a good idea, and I can see your point, I just think it's too hard to regulate.

Answer 6

As a very responsible dog owner i would be happy to have to pass a test, or be licensed to own a dog

Answer 7

Why, if they past do you really think they will go by what they learn. You have to pass a test before driving...they know what to do but do they do it. You take a test in school, you pass that but did you learn anything. What I am saying here is that you can pass any test there is but does one follow it.. Not always. It is like leading a horse to water but you can't make him drink sort of thing.

Answer 8

Absolutely. There are too many people with dogs who haven't got a clue, don't understand animal behaviour and give a bad name to those of us who are responsible dog owners. All pet owners should be licenced and have their animals registered.

Answer 9

If I was to have taken a test when I got my dog, I would have failed miserably! I had no idea just what an impact having her would have on my life.
7 years on and I've adjusted, obviously, and it was the best thing possible I could have done.
Unfortunately for others, they are unable to make those adjustments in their lives and find pet ownership a nuisance.

Answer 10

Might be nice, and has been mentioned, having children and buying guns ect.. but none of this is likely to happen because they will be strongly opposed out of the fear that they will become like th southern reading test for voting and the intact dog permits in CA -- impossible to pass....